Program Overview

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Introduction to the Indigenous Studies (MA) Program

The Indigenous Studies (MA) program at the University of Manitoba reflects Indigenous perspectives in teaching and research. As a student in the program, you will learn about Indigenous history and gain an understanding of unique worldviews. You will also gain skills in research, qualitative interviewing and fieldwork, and refine your writing ability.

Program Details

The Department of Indigenous Studies offers programs of study leading to a Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies. The expected duration of the program is 2 years. The MA program offers a Thesis route consisting of a combination of coursework and a thesis component, and a Major Research Paper (MRP) route, consisting of additional coursework and a major paper.

Thesis Route

• 18 credit hours of coursework, including:
  • 12 credit hours of required courses
  • 6 credit hours of additional coursework at the 4000 level or above
• Preparation and successful defense of the thesis

Major Research Paper Route

• 21 credit hours of coursework, including:
  • 12 credit hours of required courses
  • 9 credit hours of additional coursework at the 4000 level or above
• Successful submission of a major research paper

Areas of Specialization

Areas of specialization include:

• Métis studies
• Cultural-specific Indigenous areas
• Indigenous economies and political organizations
• Indigenous languages
• Indigenous aesthetics
• Northern Indigenous issues

Métis Studies

With three Métis scholars in the department, several students have focused on historic and contemporary Métis issues, literatures, art, and politics. No other university program in Canada provides this breadth or level of support for work in these areas.

Cultural-Specific Indigenous Areas

Six scholars in the department offer examinations and explorations in various aspects of Inuit studies, Cree studies, and Ojibway studies.

Indigenous Economies and Political Organizations

With two scholars focusing specifically on Indigenous businesses and political organizations in their research areas, this remains one of the strengths of the department, particularly in focusing on developing contemporary models of community resistance and resilience based on Indigenous principles of economic and political livelihood.

Indigenous Languages

Including regular courses in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. While the department does not have a full-time language professor, a departmental commitment has been made to offer Indigenous languages every year.

Indigenous Aesthetics

Three scholars in the department focus on Indigenous creative and critical expressions found in literature, art, film, beadwork, and performance art.

Northern Indigenous Issues

The department has created innovative opportunities for work in remote northern communities, with two scholars who have studied various aspects of culture, politics, entrepreneurship, and history in a northern context.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Indigenous Studies (MA) program, you must have a four-year degree with a major in Indigenous Studies (formerly Native studies) or equivalent. Students who have a 4-year degree in a discipline other than Indigenous Studies, with some combination of courses in any discipline where a minimum of 50% of the content is dedicated to Indigenous issues, major research papers on Indigenous topics, Honours/advanced research papers on Indigenous issues, and language courses or proficiency.

Application Process

The Indigenous Studies (MA) program accepts applications for Fall entry only. Applications must be completed online and include:

• Application fee (non-refundable)
• Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
• Statement of intent (three pages)
• Supervisor support
• Two academic letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
• Proof of English language proficiency, if required

Statement of Intent

Complete a brief (750 words) three-page statement of intention and one page bibliography for your thesis research. Reviewers will stop reading after 3 pages of text (not including the bibliography). Your objective is to demonstrate that your research topic is important and doable based on a short literature review.

Tuition and Fees

Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms.

Sample Course Offerings

• INDG 7230: Methodology and Research Issues in Indigenous Studies (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7240: Issues in Colonization (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7250: Culture: Theory and Praxis (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7280: Indigenous Studies Colloquia (1 credit hour)
• INDG 7220: Selected Topics in Indigenous Studies (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7290: Seminar in Aboriginal Economy (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7310: Critical Theory and Indigenous Studies (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7320: Trauma Theory in Indigenous Writing in Canada and Australia (3 credit hours)
• INDG 7340: Advanced Seminar in Selected Topics on Indigenous Research (3 credit hours)

For full course descriptions, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis. The Admissions committee for Indigenous Studies reviews applications in February and June.

• Canadian and US applicants: January 15 (for scholarship consideration) and May 15
• International applicants: January 15

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. For those who wish to be considered for scholarships, applications must be received by January 15 of the year in which you're seeking admission.